The elegantly simple lines of the Golden Oriole Daisho (SH1018, SH1019) have long been favored by admirers of the Japanese sword. The story told by the stunning tsuba is of a mantis stealthily stalking the cricket, unaware that he is himself being stalked by the Golden Oriole. The deeply lacquered blue of the saya is repeated in the Japanese cotton tsuka-ito, and the Oriole appears again on the kashira. Unmistakably Hanwei quality, the 14 tsuka of the katana gives a superb balance to the sword, allowing it to move very quickly and very freely. Supplied with a protective cloth bag and traditional maintenance kit.